Normal methadone doses could cause sudden death

Researchers from the Oregon Health and Science University have said the pain killing opioid methadone may be contributing to cases of sudden death due to cardiac arrest. This from a product used to treat some types of drug dependence as well as manage pain.

Unexplained causes of sudden death in the Portland, Oregon area were studied to find some kind of connection. In the "unexplained"category that researchers looked at, a correlation between heart abnormalities and normal, therapeutic methadone use was made.

After the findings were released, the study team suggested that physicians ensure normal heart rhythms using ECG measurements for those undergoing any kind of treatment involving normal doses of methadone.